South West Water has implemented a hosepipe ban affecting customers in parts of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall due to prolonged dry weather and increased water demand.
The decision follows an extended period of exceptionally low rainfall, coupled with multiple heatwaves that have placed significant strain on local water resources. From 12.01am on Saturday, 8 August, customers in Devon, Cornwall, and specific areas of Somerset and Dorset are asked to refrain from using hosepipes. This restriction covers activities such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning patios and boats, and filling swimming or paddling pools.
The ban primarily impacts residents in areas close to the Devon border and some parts of the Blackdown Hills served by South West Water. Notably, households receiving water from Wessex Water are not subject to these restrictions at present.
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Essential water uses including drinking, cooking, toilet flushing, and personal hygiene remain unaffected. South West Water is encouraging all customers, including businesses and visitors to the region, to use water wisely by adopting simple conservation measures. These include taking shorter showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and only operating washing machines and dishwashers when fully loaded.
Climate experts report that July was the driest on record, with large parts of Devon, Cornwall, and much of the UK currently experiencing drought conditions.
Sam Bottomley of South West Water stated: “Our region’s rivers and water resources are under significant pressure following a period of very low rainfall and high water demand. We have taken this step after careful consideration of the Environment Agency’s drought status and ongoing demand increases.”
He added that the company has maximised water production, increased leak detection and repairs, redistributed water within the network, and implemented various operational measures to conserve water supplies.
“Introducing a hosepipe ban is a decision we do not make lightly, and we understand the inconvenience it causes,” Bottomley said. “However, these temporary restrictions are essential to protect our rivers and ensure sufficient water supply for homes, businesses, and critical services across the region.”
He emphasised the importance of saving every litre of water right now to support resource preservation during continuing drought conditions and urged customers to make small adjustments to their water use to help make a substantial difference.